Make a Difference

How do you plan on making a difference in 2013?  The concept may sound huge – how can one person make a difference?  I’m reminded over and over, it’s the little things that can make a profound difference in other people’s lives.  Here are some tips as you go through your day.  You may never know the effect you have on others.

Tip 1:  Smile.  So many people are caught up in their own world, racing to get things done, pressure to perform, stress of the looming to dos.  Smiling at, and with, those you encounter throughout your day can calm tense situations, bring a pause to someone and remind others that there is happiness in the world.

Tip 2:  Hold a door.  Hold open the door when someone is following you out or in someplace.  Use the opportunity for a small greeting – “have a nice day”, “drive safe!” anything at all.  It’s a small gesture of kindness that may be the only one available that day.

Tip 3:  Let someone in.  As you’re threading your way through traffic, let someone merge in front of you.  I do get annoyed with people attempting to butt in front of line, however I find it calms me down a lot, if I slow down, let them in with a smile and a wave.

Tip 4:  Name.  When you’re in a store or at a restaurant, find out the name of the person serving you.  When the transaction is done or dinner is served, thank the person by name.  Such a simple thing to do which creates a warm feeling for the other person.  It humanizes the whole interaction.

Tip 5:  Someone special.  Pick one person a week to do something special for.  Perhaps your spouse enjoys a certain meal.  Maybe your child could use an hour, uninterrupted, of just you.  Pick up the phone and contact a friend you haven’t heard from.  Be of service to someone else by putting their needs before yours.  Make this a conscious effort that you plan for each week.

Tip 6:  Enthusiasm.  When you’re out at networking events or business meetings – bring your “A” game each time.  Greet people enthusiastically.  Talk about positive happenings.  Ask lots of questions.  Get people’s cards and send them a follow-up regarding your conversation with them.  You’re reminding others of a joy and zest for life – who knows what it might inspire.

Tip 7:  Volunteer.  Look at your schedule to see what you can manage.  Volunteering doesn’t have to be a big commitment of time.  Share your skills with others – help someone do a job search on the internet at a job center, answer the phones for a local non-profit, create a program for a local school, stop by a retirement community and see where you could help out.  Find something you enjoy sharing and share it.  My dear friend Jane Hess Collins is a professional in this area and would be happy to help you find an opportunity.  You can find out more information at website – http://GetOutandGiveBack.com.

Being of service and sharing simple kindness with others makes a difference.  At the very least, you will feel good for a few moments – and the very most, you may make a difference in someone else’s life.

What do you do regularly that makes a difference?  How does it make you feel?  Leave your comments below.

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